Biocompatible gripping device

Abstract

A biocompatible gripping device for surgical use comprises gripping means having at least one deformable gripping element. The element comprises a shape memory material which may comprise functional porosity. The shape memory material may be a shape memory alloy.

1 - 14 . (canceled)  
     
     
         15 . a method of using a biocompatible gripping device that comprises at least one deformable gripping element, the gripping element comprising a material having an austenitic phase and a martensitic phase and having shape memory properties in the martensitic phase, wherein the method comprises gripping an article when the gripping element is at a temperature below the martensite to austenite phase transition temperature and thereby deforming the gripping element from a non-deformed condition to a deformed condition, and thereafter heating the gripping element to a temperature above the martensite to austenite phase transition temperature and thereby returning the gripping element to the non-deformed condition:  
     
     
         16 . A method according to  claim 15  comprising heating the gripping element to a temperature between 50° C. and 100° C. to return the gripping element to the non-deformed condition.  
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein the material comprises a shape memory alloy.  
     
     
         18 . A method according to  claim 17  wherein the shape memory alloy is a titanium-nickel alloy.  
     
     
         19 . A method according to  claim 18  wherein the shape memory alloy is a titanium-nickel alloy having substantially 52 atomic % titanium and substantially 48 atomic % nickel.  
     
     
         20 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein the deformable gripping element is selected from a coating and an insert.  
     
     
         21 . A method according to  claim 20  wherein the deformable gripping element is applied to the gripping means by brazing, soldering, riveting, sintering or compression fit.  
     
     
         22 . A method according to  claim 15  wherein the device comprises a pair of co-operating gripping members, each of which includes a gripping surface whereby at least one of said surfaces is provided by said deformable gripping element.  
     
     
         23 . A method according to  claim 22  wherein each of said gripping surfaces is provided by a respective one of said deformable gripping elements.  
     
     
         24 . A method according to  claim 23  in the form of a surgical needle holder or forceps.  
     
     
         25 . A method of using a biocompatible gripping device that comprises at least one deformable gripping element, the gripping element comprising a material having an austenitic phase and a martensitic phase and having shape memory properties in the martensitic phase, wherein the method comprises gripping an article when the gripping element is at a temperature below the martensite to austenite phase transition temperature and thereby deforming the gripping element from a non-deformed condition to a deformed condition, whereby subsequent heating of the gripping element to a temperature above the martensite to austenite phase transition temperature returns the gripping element to the non-deformed condition.  
     
     
         26 . A biocompatible gripping device for surgical use, the device comprising at least one gripping element comprising a material having an austenitic phase and a martensitic phase and having shape memory properties in the martensitic phase, and wherein the gripping element is in the martensitic phase, whereby when the gripping element is used to grip an article, the gripping element is deformed from a non-deformed condition to a deformed condition, and upon heating the deformed gripping element to a temperature above the martensite to austenite phase transition temperature the gripping element returns to the non-deformed condition.  
     
     
         27 . A biocompatible gripping device according to  claim 26  wherein the martensite to austenite phase transition temperature at which the gripping element can return to the non-deformed condition is a temperature between 50° C. and 100° C.  
     
     
         28 . A biocompatible gripping device according to  claim 26  wherein the material comprises a shape memory alloy.  
     
     
         29 . A biocompatible gripping device according to  claim 28  wherein the shape memory alloy is a titanium-nickel alloy.  
     
     
         30 . A biocompatible gripping device according to  claim 29  wherein the shape memory alloy is a titanium-nickel alloy having substantially 52 atomic % titanium and substantially 48 atomic % nickel.  
     
     
         31 . A biocompatible gripping device according to  claim 26  wherein the deformable gripping element is selected from a coating and an insert.  
     
     
         32 . A biocompatible gripping device according to  claim 31  wherein the deformable gripping element is applied to the gripping means by brazing, soldering, riveting, sintering or compression fit.  
     
     
         33 . A biocompatible gripping device according to  claim 26  wherein the device comprises a pair of co-operating gripping members, each of which includes a gripping surface whereby at least one of said surfaces is provided by said deformable gripping element.  
     
     
         34 . A biocompatible gripping device according to  claim 33  wherein each of said gripping surfaces is provided by a respective one of said deformable gripping elements.  
     
     
         35 . A biocompatible gripping device according to  claim 34  in the form of a surgical needle holder or forceps.